Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Secretary-General Taalatbek Masadykov has warned that instability in parts of Afghanistan, particularly areas bordering the organization’s zone of responsibility, poses risks to regional security.

In an interview with RIA Novosti, Masadykov said the CSTO was closely monitoring the situation in Afghanistan and considered developments in the country important for the security of Central Asia.

“Instability persists in several regions of the country, including those bordering the CSTO zone of responsibility, posing obvious risks to the Central Asian collective security region,” he said.

Masadykov said the CSTO considers Afghanistan an important neighbour and is interested in its development as a peaceful and prosperous state.

He noted that political and economic relations between Kabul and nearly all CSTO member states are developing actively. However, he said the current situation made stronger border controls with Afghanistan necessary.

“Given the current situation, we recognize the need to strengthen border control with this country,” Masadykov said.

He added that the CSTO was implementing an interstate programme aimed at strengthening Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan.

Masadykov also said that during a recent working visit, he inspected border outposts and discussed the situation along the Tajik-Afghan border with the commander of Tajikistan’s border troops.

The remarks come as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has repeatedly said that it will not allow Afghanistan’s soil to be used against any other country.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered authorities to transfer jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to a hospital in Islamabad amid concerns over his health.

The court directed that Khan, 73, be moved to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours and remain there until at least September 16, when the case is scheduled to be reviewed. The transfer is to take place under tight security.

The order followed petitions from Khan’s family, lawyers and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who have repeatedly raised concerns about his deteriorating health and access to medical care.

A three-member Supreme Court bench also ordered the formation of a medical board to assess and treat Khan. His sister, Dr Uzma Khan, and his personal physician have been permitted to be present during his medical assessment and treatment, with his family expected to cover the costs.

Khan’s lawyers have previously said he suffered significant loss of vision in his right eye while in prison. He also received treatment for an eye condition earlier this year.

PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision but said the transfer should have happened earlier, arguing that Khan’s health had already deteriorated significantly.

The court has also directed authorities to ensure security and maintain law and order around the hospital during Khan’s stay. His medical records have been ordered to remain protected from political use.

Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 after being convicted in several cases. He and his party maintain that the cases are politically motivated, while several of his convictions have been suspended or overturned and other appeals remain pending.

Khan served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until he was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022.

Afghanistan does not pursue a policy of confrontation with Pakistan and seeks to build relations with its neighbour through dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation, Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb said Monday.

Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad marking the fifth anniversary of the Islamic Emirate’s return to power, Shakeeb said Afghanistan’s relations with its neighbours, particularly Pakistan, should be based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, non-interference and shared interests.

“We believe that an atmosphere of trust cannot be created through pressure or force. It can only be built through understanding, sustained dialogue, and sincere cooperation,” he said.

Shakeeb said Afghanistan does not allow its territory to be used against the security and stability of other countries, while expressing hope that Afghanistan’s security concerns would also be understood and respected.

He said lasting regional security requires mutual trust, practical cooperation, coordination and respect for each other’s legitimate concerns.

The envoy also highlighted the geographical and economic importance of Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying a peaceful and stable Afghanistan could contribute to regional connectivity, trade, transit, investment and energy cooperation.

Meanwhile, Maulana Fazlur Rahman, leader of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, also called for mutual support between the two countries.

Speaking at the same event, Fazlur Rahman said he was confident that Pakistan would support Afghanistan and Afghanistan would support Pakistan.

He said Afghanistan and Pakistan could play the role of a bridge in the region because of their geographical positions, urging both countries to recognise the region’s geopolitical importance.